Review: Hannah Ellis – “The Woman I Am” (feat. Martina McBride)

“The Woman I Am” Cover Art

Hannah Ellis’ “The Woman I Am” featuring country powerhouse Martina McBride is a stirring, heartfelt tribute to the generations of women who shape us. From the very first verse, there’s a warmth and familiarity that hits you—and it’s not just the comforting acoustic arrangement or the clean, modern production. It’s the way Hannah and Martina’s voices blend with such ease that at times, it becomes difficult to distinguish between the two. That alone is a testament to Hannah’s vocal chops, standing shoulder to shoulder with one of country music’s most iconic voices.

The song explores identity through legacy—how the strength, love, and lessons passed down from the women in their lives have made them who they are. The chorus line “That’s just the woman I am” is both deeply personal and universally relatable, touching on how we carry our mothers’ resilience, our grandmothers’ grace, and our sisters’ fire in everything we do.

Lyrically, it’s straightforward but powerful, painting a vivid picture of generational connection without ever feeling cliché. The instrumentation stays in the background just enough to let the vocals shine—piano, subtle strings, and warm acoustic guitar wrap the song in a soft, emotional embrace.

At just 2 minutes and 36 seconds, it almost feels too short. You get swept up in the story and the emotion, and just when it feels like it’s building into something even bigger, it ends. But maybe that’s part of its brilliance—it leaves you wanting more. More time with the message, more harmonies between two beautifully matched artists, more reflection on the women who’ve helped define who we are.

It’s a powerful collaboration that doesn’t just showcase two incredible voices—it highlights the depth of storytelling that country music does best. A track like this is easy to revisit, not just for the sound, but for the feelings it evokes every time.